Dallas-Arlington (WBAP/KLIF) – Arlington Mayor Jim Ross and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson are among 139 other mayors in 37 states who have signed onto a letter supporting the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
The letter calls on the Senate to pass the legislation protecting the right to vote, according to the Fort Worth Star Telegram.
Stating that voting rights are under attack among other things, the letter cited statistics from the Brennan Center for Justice showing 19 states have passed laws restricting the right to vote since 2020 the 2020 election. The letter further states that passing the JLVRA would allow equal access to the ballot.
Mayor Ross told the Star Telegram that federal intervention is needed, “That’s what democracy is all about. It’s about making sure everybody has the opportunity to vote.” Ross blamed partisan politics for laws he said make it harder for eligible voters to access the ballot box.
In reaction to the news, Texas State Rep. Chris Turner tweeted that he is pleased to see Ross and Johnson step up:
(Copyright 2021 WBAP/KLIF 24/7 News. This report contains material from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram)